OKX has officially launched its operations in the United States, introducing both its centralised cryptocurrency exchange and its Web3 wallet services to American customers. The company has established new regional headquarters in San Jose, California, positioning itself as a competitor in one of the world’s most influential financial markets.
The expansion is being led by newly appointed US CEO Roshan Robert. Mr Robert brings substantial experience from his previous roles in the cryptocurrency industry, having served as Partner at crypto prime broker Hidden Road from 2019 to 2023, where he also held COO and CCO positions.
Before joining OKX, he served as President and COO at digital asset lending platform CLST through 2024.
Who are OKX?
OKX is a cryptocurrency exchange operator and Web3 technology company. They’re a player in the global cryptocurrency industry, who offer digital asset trading services and blockchain-based technology solutions.
Originally known as OKEx, the company rebranded to OKX to reflect its expanded focus beyond just exchange services into broader Web3 technology offering.
As part of its strategy, OKX will migrate existing OKCoin customers to its new platform.
This transition aims to provide immediate benefits through improved liquidity, more competitive fee structures, and advanced trading tools.
The company says that this integration should mean a substantial upgrade to the overall user experience.
OKX has chosen a measured approach with a phased rollout for new US customers. This has been designed to ensure the platform’s security and stability before the company expands to full nationwide availability in the US later this year.
What services will be available to US customers?
Customers in the US will have access to trading services for major cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, USDT, and USDC. A key feature of the platform is its integration with traditional banking systems, enabling smooth transitions between existing financial systems and digital assets.
The company’s Web3 wallet stands out because it supports more than 130 blockchain networks and features five distinct trading configurations that are tailored to different levels of user expertise.
A built-in DEX, or decentralised exchange aggregator, provides access to over 10 million tokens across multiple blockchains, including Ethereum, Solana, and Base.
What additional features does the wallet offer?
The wallet’s functions also include AI-powered market navigation tools, designed to identify trending tokens and streamline a trader’s research workflow/processes.
Users will also be able to perform advanced operations, such as token swapping, cross-chain bridging, and will have direct access to additional decentralised applications that span DeFi, NFTs, gaming, and social platforms.
Will OKX be compliant?
OKX has said that its approach to expansion in the US market will focus on sustainable, compliant growth, with the company actively engaging with US regulators and policymakers to maintain transparency in its operations and evolving compliance frameworks.
To support these objectives, the exchange has implemented comprehensive risk management systems. That includes enhanced due diligence protocols and robust KYC procedures. Customer risk assessments, fraud detection technologies, anti-money laundering tools, geographic restrictions, and market surveillance capabilities.
How does OKX compare to its rivals?
OKX operates a tiered fee schedule which is based on a client’s activity, and or the value of assets held with the company.
Those with less than $100,000 in assets at OKX, or who turnover less than $5.0 million in trading volume every 30 days, are considered as level 1 customers.
Traders who have lodged more than $100,000 in assets and who turnover more than $5.0 million notional in 30 days, qualify as VIP traders.
There are 8 levels of VIP classifications at level 5, you need to have $10.0 million of assets and a turnover of $200.0 mln in 30 days.
If you hit those targets, you will pay 0.00% in price maker fees and just 0.030% as a price taker.
That compares to 0.045% as a price maker and 0.050% as a price taker as a level 1 client.
At the very highest tier for those who turn over $5.0 billion every 30 days, maker fees fall to -0.0005%, meaning you get a credit and taker fees are just 0.015%.
So the firm’s offering is targeted towards more affluent and more experienced crypto traders than the typical retail customer. And given that OKX is an exchange rather than a broker, that’s perhaps no surprise
Rival exchange Kraken has fees that range from 0.40% of transaction value, all the way down to 0.00%.
Once again, what you pay will be determined by how you interact with the market.
That is are you a price maker or a price taker, and your 30-day trading turnover.
So if you are an established high volume, high frequency or high value cryptocurrency trader, OKX could well be worth a look.
With over 35 years of finance experience, Darren is a highly respected and knowledgeable industry expert. With an extensive career covering trading, sales, analytics and research, he has a vast knowledge covering every aspect of the financial markets.
During his career, Darren has acted for and advised major hedge funds and investment banks such as GLG, Thames River, Ruby Capital and CQS, Dresdner Kleinwort and HSBC.
In addition to the financial analysis and commentary he provides as an editor at GoodMoneyGuide.com, his work has been featured in publications including Fool.co.uk.
As well as extensive experience of writing financial commentary, he previously worked as a Market Research & Client Relationships Manager at Admiral Markets UK Ltd, before providing expert insights as a market analyst at Pepperstone.
Darren is an expert in areas like currency, CFDs, equities and derivatives and has authored over 260 guides on GoodMoneyGuide.com.
He has an aptitude for explaining trading concepts in a way that newcomers can understand, such as this guide to day trading Forex at Pepperstone.com
Darren has done interviews and analysis for companies like Queso, including an interview on technical trading levels.
A well known authority in the industry, he has provided interviews on Bloomberg (UK), CNBC (UK) Reuters (UK), Tiptv (UK), BNN (Canada) and Asharq Bloomberg Arabia.
You can contact Darren at darrensinden@goodmoneyguide.com
